Water disinfecting module, systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Water disinfecting modules, water supply systems, methods of assembling a water supply system as well as method of disinfecting water are provided. The water disinfecting module includes a frame, hot and cold water flow switches and hot and cold UV treatment modules is provided. The frame supports a hot and cold water inlets and hot and cold water outlets. Hot and cold water flow switches are fluidly interposed between the respective inlets and outlets for sensing water flow. Hot and cold water UV treatment modules are fluidly interposed between corresponding inlets and outlets and are coupled to flow switches for activation upon sensing of water flow. All of the components are supported by the frame to form a complete unit. The systems and methods incorporate the use of such a water disinfecting module.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to water disinfecting devices forinstallation at a point of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) are a growing concern inhealthcare facilities. Legionella Pneumophila, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa,and Escherichia Coli are among a number of water borne pathogens thatcause HAIs, leading to longer patient stays and higher medical costs.

Controlling the organisms in the water system before exposing patientsand healthcare workers should lead to a reduction of HAIs. Whenorganisms are exposed to sufficient amounts of Short WavelengthUltraviolet Light (UV-C), their DNA is disrupted leaving them unable toperform vital cellular functions, thus disinfecting the water.

While it may be easy to include water disinfecting devices in newconstruction, it is more difficult and time consuming to implement waterdisinfecting devices in existing healthcare facilities. For example,most water supply arrangements, e.g. faucets, are mounted to a counteradjacent a sink. However, there may be limited places to mount orinstall a disinfecting device below the counter in existing facilities.Further, there may be limited access to electricity.

Further, some options for disinfecting water are applied where the watercomes into the facility which is typically remote from the faucet wherethe water is dispensed such that there is a significant amount of pipingbetween where the water is disinfected and then ultimately dispensed,e.g. the faucet.

Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide for simple and easyretrofit options for disinfecting water as well as for disinfecting thewater close to the point of use. Embodiments of the present inventionare aimed at rectifying one or more of these issues.

Additionally, beyond healthcare facilities; hotels, resorts, andresidences can suffer from water supply systems which are infected withmicroorganisms. In many countries there may be little or no residualdisinfectant, such as chloramine or chlorine compounds, used in thewater supply making those systems particularly susceptible. Sampling forthe presence of microorganisms in these water supply systems may beinfrequent which could leave a window of time where infection due tounsafe water contact is possible.

Ultraviolet light emitting diodes (LEDs) which emit radiation inwavelengths shorter than 300 nm have wall plug efficiencies below 10percent. Wall plug efficiency can be defined as the ratio of the opticaloutput power of the LED to the input electrical power. A 10% wall plugefficiency would indicate that 90% of the input power is not convertedto optical power but instead the majority of that is lost to heat.Semiconductor devices such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) operate mosteffectively when the temperature of the device does not exceed themanufacturer's recommended rating. This ensures the optical output poweras well as the operational lifetime of the device is maintained in aquantifiable manner. Disinfection systems, like the present invention,rely on the optical output power and optical power decay (operationallifetime) to ensure disinfection performance over the lifetime of thesystem. It is necessary then to create a system where this is possible.In a flowing system, this may be accomplished by limiting theoperational on time of the device to when the water is flowing and/or bycontrolling the temperature of the device.

One method of limiting the on time of the disinfection system would beto have a flow switch which provides a signal to the LED circuit wherethe decision will be made to turn the LED source(s) on or off based onthe signal. Flow switch technology is readily available, and cangenerate a signal using various methods. One method uses the fluid flowto move a paddle or a shuttle/piston to create the signal; anothermethod measures acoustic waves generated in a pipe using a piezo.Thermal methods such as calorimetric are also used. While flow switchesusing all of these methods are commercially available, finding a flowswitch which is compact, rated for high pressure, and sensitive to verysmall flow rates which may occur if someone does not fully open a faucettap, may be difficult. In addition, flow switches are not typically usedin faucets so many are not built to withstand the pressures required inbuilding supply systems, faucets, hospitals and the like. Moreover,systems being fit to existing faucets, would require a flow switchintegrated inside the system.

Building water supply systems and the plumbing contained within aremandated or regulated in most countries to meet certain burst andoperating pressure standards, such as ASME A112.18.1-2012/CSA B125.1-12.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide new and improved waterdisinfecting modules, water supply systems incorporating waterdisinfecting modules, methods of assembling a water supply system aswell as method of disinfecting water.

In a particular embodiment, a water disinfecting module including aframe, hot and cold water flow switches and hot and cold UV treatmentmodules is provided. The frame supports a hot water inlet, a hot wateroutlet, a cold water inlet and a cold water outlet. The hot water flowswitch is fluidly interposed between the hot water inlet and hot wateroutlet sensing a hot water flow into the disinfection module. The hotwater flow switch is supported by the frame. The hot water UV treatmentmodule is fluidly interposed between the hot water inlet and hot wateroutlet. The hot water UV treatment module is operably coupled to the hotwater flow switch for activation of the hot water UV treatment moduleupon sensing of the hot water flow. The hot water UV treatment module issupported by the frame. The cold water flow switch is fluidly interposedbetween the cold water inlet and cold water outlet sensing a cold waterflow from the cold water inlet to the cold water outlet. The cold waterflow switch is supported by the frame. The cold water UV treatmentmodule is fluidly interposed between the cold water inlet and cold wateroutlet. The cold water UV treatment module is operably coupled to thecold water flow switch for activation of the cold water UV treatmentmodule upon sensing of the cold water flow. The cold water UV treatmentmodule is supported by the frame.

In a particular embodiment, the frame is a housing having an internalcavity with the hot and cold water flow switches and hot and cold waterUV treatment modules being located within the internal cavity. In oneembodiment, a single pressure vessel contains both the hot water flowswitch and the hot water UV treatment module. A separate pressure vesselcontains both the cold water flow switch and the cold water UV treatmentmodule.

In a particular embodiment, a controller operably couples the hot waterflow switch with the hot water UV treatment module to activate the hotwater UV treatment module upon sensing the flow of hot water. Thecontroller operably couples the cold water flow switch with the coldwater UV treatment module to activate the cold water UV treatment moduleupon sensing the flow of cold water. The controller is supported by thehousing and located within the internal cavity.

In one embodiment, the flow switches comprise a magnet and shuttle.Fluid flow pushes the magnet into proximity of a circuit board housedwithin a metal shell which contains the UV source(s) of the UV treatmentmodule. The metal shell also serves as a thermal conductor to removeheat from the circuit board and UV source(s) via the flow of the fluidon the exterior or back side of the thermally conductive, e.g., metal,shell, opposite the side containing the UV source(s).

In another embodiment, the flow switches are comprised of two thermalsensors where one sensor is held at a thermal constant and the othersensor is in thermal contact with the fluid. The differential betweenthe two sensors is used to determine if water is flowing.

In one embodiment, the flow switches comprise a magnet and shuttle.Fluid flow pushes the magnet into proximity of a circuit board housedwithin the pressure vessel. The circuit board sends a signal to anothercircuit board, which may also be housed within the pressure vessel. Oneof the circuit boards also contains the UV sources and the signal isused to turn the UV sources on.

In a particular embodiment, a cold water flow path extends between thecold water inlet and cold water outlet. A hot water flow path extendsbetween the hot water inlet and hot water outlet. The embodiment furtherincludes a cold water cooling block or reservoir adjacent the hot waterUV treatment module for cooling UV LEDS within the UV treatment module.The embodiment includes a cold water bleed line fluidly connecting thecold water flow path with the cold water cooling block or reservoir suchthat a portion of the cold water flow is supplied to the cold watercooling block or reservoir. The cold water cooling block or reservoir isfluidly connected to the hot water flow path such that after the portionof cold water passes through the cold water bleed line and the coldwater cooling block or reservoir, the water flows into the hot waterflow path. The bleed line is located within the housing and/or supportedby the frame.

In a particular embodiment, the cold water cooling block or reservoir isfluidly connected to the hot water flow path upstream of the hot waterUV treatment module such that the portion of the cold water flow thatpasses through the cold water cooling or reservoir mixes with the hotwater flow prior to passing through the hot water UV treatment module.

In one embodiment, a check valve prevents hot water from flowing fromthe hot water flow path through the cold water bleed line to the coldwater flow path.

In one embodiment, a single power supply cable passing into the internalcavity of the housing, power for powering the hot and cold water UVtreatment modules being operably provided by the single power supplycable.

In one embodiment, the housing, hot and cold water flow switches, hotand cold water UV treatment modules and power supply cable are aself-contained and unitary unit.

In one embodiment, at least one LED indicator that can be selectivelyactivated to provide an operational state of the water disinfectingmodule.

In a further embodiment, a water supply arrangement including a waterdisinfecting module as outlined above is provided. The water supplyarrangement further includes a faucet. The faucet includes: a faucetcold water inlet operably coupled to the cold water outlet of the waterdisinfecting module; a faucet hot water inlet operably coupled to thehot water outlet of the water disinfecting module; a faucet outletoperably fluidly connected to the faucet hot and cold water inlets; andone or more valves operably interposed between the faucet cold waterinlet, faucet hot water inlet, and faucet outlet for controlling theflows of hot and cold water from the faucet cold and hot water inlets tothe faucet outlet.

In a further embodiment, a method of assembling the water supplyarrangement is provided. The method includes providing a waterdisinfecting module in a fully assembled state, prior to performing thefollowing steps: connecting the faucet cold water inlet operably to thecold water outlet of the unit; connecting the faucet hot water inletoperably to the hot water outlet of the unit; connecting a supply of hotwater to the hot water inlet of the unit; and connecting a supply ofcold water to the cold water inlet of the unit.

In a more particular method, the method includes simultaneously mountingthe hot and cold water flow switches, hot and cold UV treatment modulesto a support structure by mounting the frame to the support structure.

Further, methods of disinfecting water by retrofitting an existing watersupply arrangement with a water disinfecting module as outlined aboveare provided.

Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will becomemore apparent from the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of thespecification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a simplified illustration of a water supply arrangementincorporating a water disinfecting module according to the teachings ofan embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2-4 are illustrations of the water disinfecting module of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional illustration of the water disinfectingmodule of FIGS. 2-4;

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate a further embodiment of a water disinfectingmodule;

FIG. 9A illustrates another water disinfecting module of the invention;

FIG. 9B is a right side view of the water disinfecting module of FIG.9A;

FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the water disinfecting module ofFIG. 9B;

FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view of the water disinfecting module ofFIG. 9C;

FIG. 10A is a front view of the cold water UV treatment module of thewater disinfecting module of FIG. 9A; and

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the cold water UV treatment moduleof FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the cold water UV treatment module ofFIG. 10A.

While the invention will be described in connection with certainpreferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to thoseembodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives,modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope ofthe invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a water supply arrangement 100 that includes a faucet 102 usedto dispense water. The faucet 102 includes cold and hot water controlvalves 104, 106 for controlling the flow of water out of the faucet 102as well as the mixture of hot and cold water such that a desiredtemperature of water can be provided. In this embodiment, a sink 108 isbelow the outlet 110 of the faucet 102. The sink 108 and faucet 102 areoperably mounted or supported to a counter 112.

The water supply arrangement 100 includes a water disinfecting module120 interposed between the faucet and hot and cold water supplies. Moreparticularly, cold and hot water stops 122, 124 that supply cold and hotwater, respectively are operably fluidly connected to cold and hot waterinlets 126, 128 of the faucet by the water disinfecting module 120 and aplurality of hoses 132, 134, 136, 138.

The disinfecting module 120 includes cold and hot water inlets 140, 142and cold and hot water outlets 144, 146. Hoses 132, 134, 136, 138 areoperably interposed between the various inlets and outlets such that asupply of cold water and a supply of hot water is provided to the faucet102.

The water disinfecting module 120 also includes a single power supplycable 150 for operably connecting the water disinfecting module 120 to asource of electricity (not shown).

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate the water disinfecting module 120 in more detail.With principle reference to FIG. 2, the cold and hot water inlets 140,142 and cold and hot water outlets 144, 146 are preferably provided byconnectors that can be easily connected to hoses 132, 134, 136, 138. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the connectors are provided by threadedconnectors. The inlets 140, 142 and outlets 144, 146 extend out of ahousing 152 that acts as a frame for supporting the additionalcomponents of the water disinfecting module 120.

With reference to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional illustration of the waterdisinfecting module 120 is illustrated and the internal cavity 153 ofthe housing 152 and component housed and supported therein areillustrated.

A cold water flow switch 154 is fluidly interposed between the coldwater inlet 140 and cold water outlet 144 that senses a cold water flowfrom the cold water inlet 140 to the cold water outlet 144. The flow ofcold water passes through a cold water UV treatment module 156 fluidlyinterposed between the cold water inlet 140 and cold water outlet 144 asthe cold water flows therebetween. The cold water UV treatment module156 is operably coupled to the cold water flow switch 154 for activationof the cold water UV treatment module upon sensing of the cold waterflow. The cold water inlet 140, cold water flow switch 154, cold waterUV treatment module 156 and the cold water outlet 144 define a coldwater flow path through the water disinfecting module 120.

Similarly, a hot water flow switch 158 is fluidly interposed between thehot water inlet 142 and hot water outlet 146 that senses a hot waterflow from the hot water inlet 142 to the hot water outlet 146. The flowof hot water passes through a hot water UV treatment module 160 fluidlyinterposed between the hot water inlet 142 and hot water outlet 146 asthe hot water flows therebetween. The hot water UV treatment module 160is operably coupled to the hot water flow switch 158 for activation ofthe hot water UV treatment module 160 upon sensing of the hot waterflow. The hot water inlet 142, hot water flow switch 158, hot water UVtreatment module 160 and the hot water outlet 146 define a hot waterflow path through the water disinfecting module 120.

When activated and with water flowing therethrough, each UV treatmentmodule 156, 160 exposes the corresponding flow of water to sufficientamounts of Short Wavelength Ultraviolet Light (UV-C) to disinfect thewater prior to the water exiting the water disinfecting module 120. Inone embodiment, the UV-C is produced by one or more light emittingdiodes (LEDs) positioned within the outer case of the UV treatmentmodule 156, 160. In one embodiment, each UV treatment module 156, 160has a controller 162, 164 that controls the activation of the UVtreatment module 156, 160 by receiving the signal indicating water flowfrom the corresponding water flow switch 154, 158. Each of thecontrollers 162, 164 would be connected to the single power supply cable150 such that both UV treatment modules 156, 160 are operably suppliedpower by a single power supply cable 150.

While the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 includes an internalcontroller for each UV treatment module 156, 160, in other embodiments,a single controller could be provided that operably communicates withboth the cold and hot water flow switches 154, 158 and the LEDs of bothof the cold and hot water UV treatment modules 156, 160 such that only asingle controller is necessary to control disinfecting both hot and coldwater flows.

In a further embodiment, a combination of the two prior controlarrangements is provided. In such an arrangement, a master controllercould communicate with both controllers 162, 164 as discussed above.

The embodiment of FIG. 7 uses a single control board 262 for controllingall operations of the water disinfecting module 220.

A cold water cooling block or reservoir 170 is located adjacent to (e.g.attached to or integrated into) the hot water UV treatment module 160for cooling the LEDs therein. A cold water bleed line 172 fluidlyconnects the cold water flow path with the cold water cooling block orreservoir 170 such that a portion of cold water flow may be supplied tothe cold water cooling block or reservoir 170. As the portion of coldwater flows through the cold water cooling block or reservoir 170, theLEDs therein may be cooled.

The cold water cooling block or reservoir 170 is fluidly connected tothe hot water flow path such that after the portion of cold water passesthrough the cold water bleed line 172 and the cold water cooling blockor reservoir 170, the water flows into the hot water flow path.Preferably, the cold water cooling block or reservoir is fluidlyconnected to the hot water flow path upstream of the hot water UVtreatment module 160 (e.g. the LEDs thereof) such that the portion ofthe cold water flow that passes through the cold water cooling block orreservoir 170 mixes with the hot water flow prior to passing through thehot water UV treatment module 160. Additionally, the cold water bleedline 172 is preferably in fluid communication with the water flow pathupstream of the cold water flow switch 154 and the cold water UVtreatment module 156. This flow arrangement allows a portion of the coldwater to be used for cooling purposes but still allows the cold water tobe disinfected, e.g. by the hot water UV treatment module 160 withoutunnecessarily requiring activation of the cold water UV treatment module156. More particularly, the portion of cold water that is used forcooling does not flow through the cold water flow switch 154 preventingactivation of the cold water UV treatment module 156.

Notably, the cold water bleed line 172 supplies only a very limited flowof cold water to the cold water cooling block or reservoir 170 so as toappreciably cooling the flow of hot water.

A check valve 174 may be provided to prevent hot water from flowing fromthe hot water flow path through the cold water bleed line 172 to thecold water flow path.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cold water bleed line 272 for an alternativeembodiment. In this embodiment, a separate cold water cooling block orreservoir is not required. Cold water simply flows into the hot water UVtreatment module 260 from bleed line 272.

With reference to FIG. 2, the water disinfecting module 120 may includea plurality of LED indicators 180, 182 for providing operationalstatuses of the disinfecting module 120. In one embodiment, LED 180 isgreen while LED 182 is red. LED 180 will be active when the waterdisinfecting module 120 is operating, e.g. when one of the water flowswitches 154, 158 senses a corresponding water flow. The red LED 182will be activated when the end of life of the unit has occurred or isnear or alternatively if a fault has been detected. This could be basedon a counting of the number of activations of either UV treatment module156, 160 or an aggregate of activations of both UV treatment modules156, 160. An alternative time when the red LED 182 could be activated isif a voltage error has been sensed by one of the controllers. Forexample, if a voltage in the system that is outside of a predeterminedappropriate operating range is sensed, the red LED 182 could beactivated.

While only two LED indicators are illustrated, more than two could beprovided. For instance, in some systems such as the module 220illustrated in FIG. 6, three LED indicators 280, 281, 282 will beprovided. One LED indicator 280 could be dedicated to indicating whetheror not power is being provided to the system while the other two LED281, 282 indicators are dedicated to a corresponding one of the UVtreatment modules 256, 260.

In addition to visual communication of the status of the waterdisinfecting module 120, some embodiments may include audionotifications of the status. While the audio notifications could be bothfor normal operation and for faults, the audio notifications willtypically be problems with the water disinfecting module 120.

In embodiments, an audio alarm 184 is provided in the system. In theillustrated embodiment, the audio alarm 184 is in communication withcontrollers 162, 164. However, as noted above, if a single controller isused with both of the UV treatment modules 156, 160, then the alarm 184would only be connected to that controller.

The audio alarm 184 provides a notification to a user even when thedevice is out-of-sight, e.g. when it is installed under a sink in acabinet. More particularly, if the water disinfecting module 120 isunder a sink in a cabinet, a user may not readily see the LED indicators180, 182.

In a preferred embodiment, the water disinfecting module 120 isconfigured, e.g. the controllers 162, 164 are configured, such that theaudio alarm only activates when water is flowing through the system.With this configuration, the alarm 184 is activated and an audionotification is generated when a user is likely in the vicinity of thewater disinfecting module 120. As such, when an audio notification is tobe generated, this audio notification will only be generated when one ofthe flow switches 154, 158 sense water flow through the system.Alternatively, the audio notification could be sent for a predeterminedperiod of time or for a predetermined period of time after the flowswitches 154, 158 sense a no flow condition.

It is noted that the audio notification need not correspond to the waterflow that activates one of the flow switches. For example, if there is aproblem with the hot water UV treatment module 160, an audionotification could still be sent if the cold water flow switch 154senses flow of cold water even if the hot water flow switch 158 does notsense a flow of hot water.

While audio alarm 184 is illustrated as a separate component that isconnected to controllers 162, 164, in some embodiments the audio alarm184 could be in the form of two separate alarms. One audio alarm couldbe directly provided by or connected to each of the two controllers 162,164. Alternatively, if a single controller is provided that cooperateswith both UV treatment modules 156, 160, then a single audio alarm couldbe connected to or built into the single controller.

The audio alarm could provide different audio notifications fordifferent actions. For instance, the audio alarm 184 could providedifferent notifications for activation of the different UV treatmentmodules 156, 160. Alternatively, the audio alarm 184 could providedifferent audio notifications for different errors, e.g. different audionotifications between errors for the hot and cold water UV treatmentmodules 156, 160.

It is a feature of embodiments of the present invention that the waterdisinfecting module 120 is provided as self-contained and unitary unit.More particularly, the housing (frame), hot and cold water flowswitches, hot and cold water UV treatment modules and power supply cableare a self-contained and unitary unit. Such a self-contained and unitaryunit shall not encompass a plurality of disinfecting modules simplymounted between a faucet and corresponding hot and cold water supplies.Further, the claimed frame shall not include a wall, sink, cabinet orcounter top to which the hot and cold water flow switches, hot and coldwater UV treatment modules and power supply cable may be mounted.

Housing 152 may have one or more removable panels to allow for servicingof the unit as well as to facilitate assembly.

By providing the water disinfecting module 120 as a self-contained andunitary unit, retrofitting existing faucet or other water supplyarrangement installations can be made easy while reducing components(e.g. multiple power supplies and controls for multiple independent UVtreatment modules).

Methods of assembling a water supply arrangement are contemplated. Moreparticularly, a method may include supply the water disinfecting module120 with the cold and hot water inlets 140, 142, cold and hot wateroutlets 144, 146, cold and hot water UV treatment modules 156, 160, thecold and hot water flow switches 154, 158 and power cord 150 in a fullyassembled state mounted to frame 152 to the point of use (e.g. thelocation of the faucet), prior to performing the following steps:connecting the faucet cold water inlet operably to the cold water outletof the unit; connecting the faucet hot water inlet operably to the hotwater outlet of the unit; connecting a supply of hot water to the hotwater inlet of the unit; and connecting a supply of cold water to thecold water inlet of the unit. Again, this method emphasizes the modularnature of the water disinfecting module 120 of providing a hot and coldwater disinfecting system.

The method may also include steps of disconnecting the faucet from thehot and cold water supplies prior to the steps of connecting the waterdisinfecting module 120 between the hot and cold water supplies and thefaucet. This again is focused on the beneficial retrofit nature.

Finally, a method may include mounting the water disinfecting module 120to a sink, a counter, a cabinet, vanity, wall, the floor proximate thefaucet to which the disinfected water will be supplied. The method mayinclude simultaneously mounting the cold and hot water inlets 140, 142,cold and hot water outlets 144, 146, cold and hot water UV treatmentmodules 156, 160, the cold and hot water flow switches 154, 158 andpower cord 150 to such a support structure simultaneously by mountingthe frame of the water disinfecting module 120 to such a supportstructure. Again, this would not entail independent mounting of thevarious components.

In FIG. 5, the water disinfecting module 120 includes a BuildingAutomation System connector 190 (BAS connector 190). This allows thewater disinfecting module 120 to be hardwired into a Building AutomationSystem of a building. This will allow for status information of theoperation of the water disinfecting module 120 to be communicated to auser via the Building Automation System. Some information that may becommunicated will include whether the water disinfecting module 120 isactive (e.g. one or both UV treatment modules 156, 160 are active);whether an error or fault has occurred in the water disinfecting module120 (e.g. if one or both UV treatment modules 156, 160 or othercomponents are working improperly or not at all); whether power is beingsupplied to the UV treatment module(s) 156, 160; general fault errors;etc.

In some embodiments, the BAS connector 190 is in the form of a 6-pinconnector, see e.g. connector 290 of FIG. 8.

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate another water disinfecting module of theinvention having cold water inlet 140, cold water flow switch 154 (shownin FIG. 9D), cold water UV treatment module 156, cold water outlet 144,hot water inlet 142, hot water flow switch 158 (shown in FIG. 9D), hotwater UV treatment module 160 and hot water outlet 146. In thisembodiment, a cold water flow path extends between the cold water inlet140 and cold water outlet 144. A hot water flow path extends between thehot water inlet 142 and hot water outlet 146. The embodiment furtherincludes a cold water reservoir 170 (shown in FIGS. 9C-9D) adjacent thehot water UV treatment module for cooling UV LEDS within the UVtreatment module. A cold water bleed line 172 fluidly connects the coldwater flow path with the cold water reservoir 170 such that a portion ofthe cold water flow is supplied to the cold water reservoir. The coldwater reservoir is fluidly connected to the hot water flow path suchthat after the portion of cold water passes through the cold water bleedline and the cold water reservoir, the water flows into the hot waterflow path. The bleed line is located within the housing and/or supportedby the frame.

The purpose of cold water bleed line 172 is to provide adequate watercooling to UV source(s) located within the hot water UV treatment module160. The cold water bleed line is plumbed from the cold water flow pathto the hot water flow path. The cold water bleed line outlet into thehot water flow path comprises two segments in series.

The first segment is an unsprung check valve 174 (shown in FIGS. 9C-9D),which only allows flow of cold water into the hot flow path. Hot waterflow into the cold water bleed line is blocked by this check valve. Thesize of the check valve orifice is designed to provide a mixing ratiorange in the range of about 1:10 to about 1:20, typically about 1:13 toabout 1:17, cold water:hot water. This ratio is selected to notsignificantly lower the temperature of the fluid exiting the hot watermodule while also maintaining sufficient cooling for the UV source(s).The mixing ratio range is dependent on equal static pressure existing atthe cold water inlet 140 and hot water inlet 142. Differences in supplypressure at the two inlets can be adjusted by using a flow restrictingorifice on the higher pressure side.

The second segment is a cold water reservoir 170 that is thermallycoupled to the UV source(s) in the hot water flow path, for example, viaa thermally conductive shell. This reservoir minimizes the cold and hotwater mixing to provide adequate cooling to the UV source(s). Thereservoir is designed such that the cold water predominantly providescooling to the UV source(s) while minimizing any hot water thermallycoupled to the UV source(s).

In one embodiment, the pressure differential in the hot water modulecauses cold water to flow in the bleed line and through the check valveorifice into the cold water reservoir. The pressure differential in thehot water module is created by the hot water outlet being opened toatmosphere at the faucet. The cold water reservoir is constructed suchthat the hot and cold water do not mix until after the thermallyconductive shell of the hot water side UV sources.

In one embodiment the flow switches comprise a magnet and shuttle. Fluidflow pushes the magnet into proximity of a circuit board housed within ametal shell which contains the UV source(s) of the UV treatment module.The metal shell also serves as a thermal conductor to remove heat fromthe circuit board and UV source(s) via the flow of the fluid on theexterior or back side of the metal shell, opposite the side containingthe UV source(s).

In another embodiment the flow switches are comprised of two thermalsensors where one sensor is held at a thermal constant and the othersensor is in thermal contact with the fluid. The differential betweenthe two sensors is used to determine if water is flowing.

In one embodiment the flow switches comprise a magnet and shuttle. Fluidflow pushes the magnet into proximity of a circuit board housed withinthe pressure vessel. The circuit board sends a signal to another circuitboard, which may also be housed within the pressure vessel. One of thecircuit boards also contains the UV sources and the signal is used toturn the UV sources on.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B and 11, the cold water flowswitch 154 of cold water UV treatment module 156 is designed toautocalibrate based on the position of the shuttle. The flow switch iscomprised of an analog Hall-effect sensor 300 and a flow shuttle. Theflow shuttle is comprised of a shuttle body 303, a magnet 301, a spring302, a UV lamp assembly 304, and a thermally conductive, e.g., metal,shell 305, Similarly, hot water flow switch 158 of hot water UVtreatment module 160 is designed to autocalibrate based on the positionof the shuttle, and is comprised of an analog Hall-effect sensor and aflow shuttle comprised of a shuttle body, magnet, and spring. Fluid flowpushes the magnet into proximity of a circuit board housed within theshell which contains the UV source(s) of the UV treatment module. Theshell 305 also serves as a thermal conductor to remove heat from thecircuit board and UV source(s) via the flow of the fluid on the backside of the shell, opposite the side containing the UV source(s).

When the firmware boots up, it first checks to see whether the restartis caused by power removal (unplugging the circuit) or an internalhardware reset (like a system crash). If the restart is from powerremoval, a measurement of the current shuttle position is made using ananalog Hall-effect detector. This measurement is assumed to correspondto the “off” position of the shuttle, and is saved in internal memory.The Hall-effect detector is monitored continuously and if the valueincreases relative to the “off” position sufficiently, flow is assumedto have begun and the UV source is switched on. Once the Hall-effectdetector value decreases sufficiently, the flow is assumed to havestopped and the UV source is deactivated.

If the restart is from a hardware reset, because the restart could occurby accident, it is not safe to assume that water currently is notflowing. Thus, instead of recalibrating the flow-switch, the systemretrieves the last good flow-switch “off” position value from internalmemory and uses that instead.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patentscited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each reference were individually and specifically indicated to beincorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of valuesherein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referringindividually to each separate value falling within the range, unlessotherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated intothe specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methodsdescribed herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwiseindicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The useof any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”)provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the inventionand does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unlessotherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construedas indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice ofthe invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention.Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Theinventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations asappropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practicedotherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, thisinvention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

What is claimed is:
 1. A water disinfecting module comprising: a framesupporting a hot water inlet, a hot water outlet, a cold water inlet anda cold water outlet; a hot water flow switch fluidly interposed betweenthe hot water inlet and hot water outlet sensing a hot water flow fromthe hot water inlet to the hot water outlet, the hot water flow switchsupported by the frame; a hot water UV treatment module fluidlyinterposed between the hot water inlet and hot water outlet, the hotwater UV treatment module operably coupled to the hot water flow switchfor activation of the hot water UV treatment module upon sensing of thehot water flow, the hot water UV treatment module supported by theframe; a cold water flow switch fluidly interposed between the coldwater inlet and cold water outlet sensing a cold water flow from thecold water inlet to the cold water outlet, the cold water flow switchsupported by the frame; and a cold water UV treatment module fluidlyinterposed between the cold water inlet and cold water outlet, the coldwater UV treatment module operably coupled to the cold water flow switchfor activation of the cold water UV treatment module upon sensing of thecold water flow, the cold water UV treatment module supported by theframe; wherein a cold water flow path extends between the cold waterinlet and cold water outlet; a hot water flow path extends between thehot water inlet and hot water outlet; a cold water cooling block orreservoir is adjacent the hot water UV treatment module for cooling UVLEDS within the UV treatment module; a cold water bleed line fluidlyconnects the cold water flow path with the cold water cooling block orreservoir such that a portion of the cold water flow is supplied to thecold water cooling block or reservoir; the cold water cooling block orreservoir is fluidly connected to the hot water flow path such thatafter the portion of cold water passes through the cold water bleed lineand the cold water cooling block or reservoir, the water flows into thehot water flow path; the cold water cooling block or reservoir isfluidly connected to the hot water flow path upstream of the hot waterUV treatment module such that the portion of the cold water flow thatpasses through the cold water cooling block or reservoir mixes with thehot water flow prior to passing through the hot water UV treatmentmodule; and a check valve prevents hot water from flowing from the hotwater flow path through the cold water bleed line to the cold water flowpath, said check valve having an orifice designed to provide a mixingratio of cold water:hot water in the range of about 1:10 to about 1:20.2. The water disinfecting module of claim 1, wherein the frame is ahousing having an internal cavity with the hot and cold water flowswitches and hot and cold water UV treatment modules being locatedwithin the internal cavity.
 3. The water disinfecting module of claim 2,further comprising a controller operably coupling the hot water flowswitch with the hot water UV treatment module to activate the hot waterUV treatment module upon sensing the flow of hot water, the controlleroperably coupling the cold water flow switch with the cold water UVtreatment module to activate the cold water UV treatment module uponsensing the flow of cold water, the controller supported by the housingand located within the internal cavity.
 4. The water disinfecting moduleof claim 2, further comprising a single power supply cable passing intothe internal cavity of the housing, power for powering the hot and coldwater UV treatment modules being operably provided by the single powersupply cable.
 5. The water disinfecting module of claim 4, wherein thehousing, hot and cold water flow switches, hot and cold water UVtreatment modules and power supply cable are a self-contained andunitary unit.
 6. The water disinfecting module of claim 1, furtherincluding at least one LED indicator that can be selectively activatedto provide an operational state of the water disinfecting module.
 7. Thewater disinfecting module of claim 1, further comprising a flowrestricting orifice to provide equal static pressure at the cold waterinlet and the hot water inlet.
 8. A water disinfecting modulecomprising: a frame supporting a hot water inlet, a hot water outlet, acold water inlet and a cold water outlet; a hot water flow switchfluidly interposed between the hot water inlet and hot water outletsensing a hot water flow from the hot water inlet to the hot wateroutlet, the hot water flow switch supported by the frame; a hot water UVtreatment module fluidly interposed between the hot water inlet and hotwater outlet, the hot water UV treatment module operably coupled to thehot water flow switch for activation of the hot water UV treatmentmodule upon sensing of the hot water flow, the hot water UV treatmentmodule supported by the frame; a cold water flow switch fluidlyinterposed between the cold water inlet and cold water outlet sensing acold water flow from the cold water inlet to the cold water outlet, thecold water flow switch supported by the frame; and a cold water UVtreatment module fluidly interposed between the cold water inlet andcold water outlet, the cold water UV treatment module operably coupledto the cold water flow switch for activation of the cold water UVtreatment module upon sensing of the cold water flow, the cold water UVtreatment module supported by the frame; wherein a cold water flow pathextends between the cold water inlet and cold water outlet; a hot waterflow path extends between the hot water inlet and hot water outlet; acold water cooling block or reservoir is adjacent the hot water UVtreatment module for cooling UV LEDS within the UV treatment module; acold water bleed line fluidly connects the cold water flow path with thecold water cooling block or reservoir such that a portion of the coldwater flow is supplied to the cold water cooling block or reservoir; thecold water cooling block or reservoir is fluidly connected to the hotwater flow path such that after the portion of cold water passes throughthe cold water bleed line and the cold water cooling block or reservoir,the water flows into the hot water flow path; the cold water coolingblock or reservoir is fluidly connected to the hot water flow pathupstream of the hot water UV treatment module such that the portion ofthe cold water flow that passes through the cold water cooling block orreservoir mixes with the hot water flow prior to passing through the hotwater UV treatment module; and a check valve prevents hot water fromflowing from the hot water flow path through the cold water bleed lineto the cold water flow path, and said cold water cooling block orreservoir minimizes the cold and hot water mixing to provide cooling ofthe UV LEDS while minimizing hot water thermally coupled to the UV LEDS.9. The water disinfecting module of claim 8, wherein the pressuredifferential in the hot water UV treatment module causes cold water toflow in the cold water bleed line and through the check valve into thecold water cooling block or reservoir, said pressure differential beingcreated by the hot water outlet being opened to atmosphere at a faucet,and the hot and cold water do not mix until after passing the thermallyconductive shell of the hot water side UV source(s).
 10. The waterdisinfecting module of claim 9, said check valve having an orificedesigned to provide a mixing ratio of cold water:hot water in the rangeof about 1:10 to about 1:20.
 11. The water disinfecting module of claim10, further comprising a controller operably coupling the hot water flowswitch with the hot water UV treatment module to activate the hot waterUV treatment module upon sensing the flow of hot water, the controlleroperably coupling the cold water flow switch with the cold water UVtreatment module to activate the cold water UV treatment module uponsensing the flow of cold water, the controller supported by the housingand located within the internal cavity.
 12. A water disinfecting modulecomprising: a frame supporting a hot water inlet, a hot water outlet, acold water inlet and a cold water outlet; a hot water flow switchfluidly interposed between the hot water inlet and hot water outletsensing a hot water flow from the hot water inlet to the hot wateroutlet, the hot water flow switch supported by the frame; a hot water UVtreatment module fluidly interposed between the hot water inlet and hotwater outlet, the hot water UV treatment module operably coupled to thehot water flow switch for activation of the hot water UV treatmentmodule upon sensing of the hot water flow, the hot water UV treatmentmodule supported by the frame; a cold water flow switch fluidlyinterposed between the cold water inlet and cold water outlet sensing acold water flow from the cold water inlet to the cold water outlet, thecold water flow switch supported by the frame; and a cold water UVtreatment module fluidly interposed between the cold water inlet andcold water outlet, the cold water UV treatment module operably coupledto the cold water flow switch for activation of the cold water UVtreatment module upon sensing of the cold water flow, the cold water UVtreatment module supported by the frame; wherein the flow switchescomprise a magnet and shuttle.
 13. The water disinfecting module ofclaim 12, wherein fluid flow pushes the magnet into proximity of acircuit board housed within a metal shell which contains the UVsource(s) of the UV treatment module.
 14. The water disinfecting moduleof claim 12, wherein the flow switches are comprised of two thermalsensors where one sensor is held at a thermal constant and the othersensor is in thermal contact with the fluid, and the differentialbetween the two sensors is used to determine if water is flowing. 15.The water disinfecting module of claim 12, wherein fluid flow pushes themagnet into proximity of a circuit board housed within the pressurevessel, and a circuit board sends a signal to another circuit boardwhich contains the UV source(s) to turn the UV source(s) on.
 16. Thewater disinfecting module of claim 12, wherein the flow switches arecomprised of an analog Hall-effect sensor and a flow shuttle, and theflow shuttle is comprised of a shuttle body, a magnet, a spring, a UVlamp assembly, and a thermally conductive shell.
 17. The waterdisinfecting module of claim 16, wherein the hot water UV treatmentmodule and the cold water UV treatment module are designed toautocalibrate based on the position of the flow shuttle, fluid flowpushes the magnet into proximity of a circuit board housed within ametal shell which contains the UV source(s), and the shell also servesas a thermal conductor to remove heat from the circuit board and UVsource(s) via the flow of the fluid on the back side of the shell,opposite the side containing the UV source(s).
 18. The waterdisinfecting module of claim 12, wherein a cold water flow path extendsbetween the cold water inlet and cold water outlet; a hot water flowpath extends between the hot water inlet and hot water outlet; a coldwater cooling block or reservoir is adjacent the hot water UV treatmentmodule for cooling UV LEDS within the UV treatment module; a cold waterbleed line fluidly connects the cold water flow path with the cold watercooling block or reservoir such that a portion of the cold water flow issupplied to the cold water cooling block or reservoir; the cold watercooling block or reservoir is fluidly connected to the hot water flowpath such that after the portion of cold water passes through the coldwater bleed line and the cold water cooling block or reservoir, thewater flows into the hot water flow path; the cold water cooling blockor reservoir is fluidly connected to the hot water flow path upstream ofthe hot water UV treatment module such that the portion of the coldwater flow that passes through the cold water cooling block or reservoirmixes with the hot water flow prior to passing through the hot water UVtreatment module; and a check valve prevents hot water from flowing fromthe hot water flow path through the cold water bleed line to the coldwater flow path, said check valve having an orifice designed to providea mixing ratio of cold water:hot water in the range of about 1:10 toabout 1:20.
 19. The water disinfecting module of claim 18, wherein saidcold water cooling block or reservoir minimizes the cold and hot watermixing to provide cooling of the UV LEDS while minimizing hot waterthermally coupled to the UV LEDS.
 20. The water disinfecting module ofclaim 19, wherein the flow switches are comprised of an analogHall-effect sensor and a flow shuttle, and the flow shuttle is comprisedof a shuttle body, a magnet, a spring, a UV lamp assembly, and athermally conductive shell.